It may seem like mere child's play to adults but play-time for children is actually serious work.

Young children, especially those under the age of six, learn best through play as such activities teach them social, cognitive, emotional, linguistic and psycho-motor skills.

KK Women's and Children's Hospital play specialist Rachel Woon said: 'Play is the fundamental work of children. It is through play that children learn about themselves and their environment.'

The human brain develops most rapidly in the first few years of life so babies and toddlers develop their five senses and other skills most efficiently through play.

Toddlers learn how to gain muscle control and balance, coordination and how to interact with others through play and exploration of the world around them.

But, of course, not all toys are made equal. Children of different ages require different types of toys, depending on their stage of development.

Babies under six months of age are interested in faces, lights and sounds, so toys like rattles, mobiles and squeaky rubber toys are suitable.

Babies between six months and a year old are more mobile and discover by crawling and picking up objects. Stacking toys, shape sorters and toys that pop up at the push of a button will keep your child occupied and stimulated.

Ms Woon said: 'Babies also love the cause-and-effect type of toys at this stage because they are starting to see the effects of an action they make.'

Besides honing children's physical capabilities and delighting their senses, play also teaches them notions of discipline and problem solving.

Dr Chew Su Yah from the department of paediatrics at the Children's Medical Institute at National University Hospital said: 'When playing with peers, children learn to share and resolve conflicts.'

Dr Chew recommended board games, role play and sports such as tricycle riding and roller-blading for children between three and six years old.

All the toys in the world pale in comparison to parental support.

Ms Woon said: 'Human interaction is the best play activity. With babies, talking, cooing, touching and singing is considered play. With older children, you can use simple objects at home like an old brush or pots and pans to teach them the function of objects.'

Dr Chew added that it is unnecessary to invest in expensive toys.

'Learning can be achieved with simple and affordable toys that give the same results. For example, instead of buying toy instruments, one can improvise with boxes and sticks,'

Dr Chew said.

And before giving their children toys, parents should check them for their suitability in terms of the child's age, abilities and interests as well as the toy's safety and hazardous aspects. The toys should also encourage interaction rather than violence.

Ms Woon said: 'Watch out for small or sharp pieces for babies and toddlers. Toys that are very noisy like remote control cars can be over stimulating.

'I like modelling clay because you can create so much from something so simple.'

This article was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times on May 7, 2008.